Rolled material applicator

ABSTRACT

An applicator for applying a rolled material to a body includes a spindle configured to hold the rolled material. A length of the spindle is at least equivalent to the width of the rolled material. A handle is coupled to the spindle, and a brake mechanism is integral with the handle for controlling a tension of the rolled material as it is applied to the body. The rolled material may be pre-wound on a spool that rotates around the spindle. Actuation of the braking mechanism increases pressure on the rotating spool in order to increase tension on the rolled material. Alternatively, the spindle rotates in conjunction with a shaft within the handle. The braking mechanism applies pressure against the rotating shaft to increase tension in the elongated material. Pre-wound cartridges of rolled material may be successively loaded on to the applicator&#39;s spindle for repeated usage of the applicator.

RELATED INVENTION

The present invention claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to: “Elongated Material Applicator,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/189,873, filed 25 Aug. 2008, which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an applicator for applying a rolled material to a body. More specifically, the present invention relates to an applicator and a rolled material applicator system that enables rolled material to be readily applied at a desired tension.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In many different industries and settings, elongated rolled material of all types is used for various objectives. Elongated rolled material includes, for example, tape, gauze, stretch plastic sheeting, webbing, fiberglass, and the like. Often, speed and ease of application, as well as specific tension in the applied material are desirable traits when dispensing and applying these materials.

One industry that requires fast and accurate rolled material application is the health care industry. For example, uncontrolled bleeding is an emergency situation that can quickly result in loss of life. Accordingly, any major uncontrolled bleeding must be reduced or stopped as soon as possible. Typically, the first aid for major bleeding is to apply gauze bandages to the wounded area, as pressure is applied by hand. Rolled gauze wrapping is used to secure the bandage so that the pressure from the wrapping will help to reduce and stop the bleeding. If the bleeding continues, more gauze is applied and more rolled gauze wrapping is wound around the wound site so that together with pressure, the blood will coagulate and stop.

Unfortunately, this process can take many minutes to perform, thus slowing down medical emergency personnel. One of the largest expenditures of time is applying the rolled gauze wrapping because the rolled gauze material tends to stick to itself when it is still rolled up. Thus, it typically takes both hands and an inordinate amount of time to both unroll the gauze and apply it around a wound. This is time lost that could otherwise be used to perform additional lifesaving measures to the patient and/or to attent to other patients.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the Figures, and:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a rolled material applicator system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a rolled material applicator implemented in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the applicator of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows an illustrative view of the rolled material applicator system in use;

FIG. 5 shows an exploded side view of a rolled material applicator system in accordance with another embodiment

FIG. 6 shows a side view of a support member of a rolled material applicator implemented in the system of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows an exploded side view of an outer housing and a brake mechanism implemented in the applicator of the system of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a rolled material applicator in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows an enlarged sectional perspective view of an end of the rolled material applicator of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows a side view of a rolled material applicator in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 11 shows an exploded side view of a rolled material applicator in accordance with yet another embodiment; and

FIG. 12 shows a side view of the rolled material applicator of FIG. 11 in an assembled form.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention entail rolled material applicator systems and applicators that are easy to use, inexpensive, apply rolled material rapidly, and provide means for varying tension in the rolled material as it is applied. The various embodiments may be implemented in an emergency scenario and/or during triage to rapidly reduce or stop bleeding. During the triage process, emergency personnel may administer lifesaving first aid only to those who would die without treatment, saving those with non-life threatening injuries until after the triage is completed. This first aid may entail rapidly reducing or stopping major uncontrolled bleeding. It is imperative that triage is performed rapidly and efficiently, so that as many victims who can be saved will be saved. Triage may be especially imperative in a disaster or accident scene where there are multiple victims and a shortage of emergency personnel.

In addition to use in emergency scenarios, the various embodiments may be implemented in the home as an inexpensive and disposable rolled material bandage applicator, or they may be implemented by medical personnel to apply cast materials to immobilize a limb. It should become apparent, however, that the invention is not limited to medical use but may alternatively be adapted to apply rolled film, tape, paper, stretch plastic sheeting, webbing, fiberglass, cotton, string, rope, and the like to various surfaces.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a rolled material applicator system 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 shows a side view of a rolled material applicator 22 implemented in system 20, and FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of a portion of applicator 22. Rolled material applicator system 20 includes applicator 22 and a cartridge 24. In an embodiment, cartridge 24 includes a hollow spool 26, represented by dashed lines in FIG. 1. Rolled material 28, for example, rolled gauze material is pre-wound onto spool 26.

Applicator 22 includes a spindle 30 (visible in FIGS. 2 and 3) and a handle 32 coupled to and longitudinally aligned with spindle 30. Applicator 22 further includes a brake mechanism 34 integral with handle 32. A collar 36 is interposed between spindle 30 and handle 32. In addition, applicator 22 includes a projection element, or flange 38 positioned at an end 40 of spindle 30 distal from handle 32. In an embodiment, a number of longitudinally arranged slots 42 extend through flange 38 and through a portion of spindle 30.

Spindle 30 is configured to hold cartridge 24 of rolled material 28. To that end, an outer diameter 44 of spindle 30 is less than an inner diameter 46 of spool 26. Conversely, a collar diameter 48 of collar 36 and a flange diameter 50 of flange 38 are each greater than inner diameter 46. It should be understood, however, that collar diameter 48 and flange diameter 50 need not be equal. A length 52 of spindle 30 is at least equivalent to a width 54 of cartridge 24, and consequently, of rolled material 28.

In order to load cartridge 24 onto applicator 22, spool 26 of rolled material 28 is slid onto spindle 30 at end 40. Slots 42 enable inward compression of spindle 30 to accommodate placement of spool 26 onto spindle 30. Once spool 26 is loaded onto spindle 30, collar 36 and flange 38 retain cartridge 24 in place on spindle 30. However, due to the smaller outer diameter 44 of spindle 30 relative to inner diameter 48 of spool 26, cartridge 24 is able to rotate about spindle 30. Length 52 of spindle 30 accommodates the entire width 54 of rolled material 28 to provide structural integrity for cartridge 24, especially when system 20 is in use (discussed below).

Since cartridge 24 can rotate relatively freely on spindle 30, it is desirable that this rotation be controlled so as to control the tension of rolled material 28 as it is being applied to a body. Brake mechanism 34 performs that function. In the illustrated embodiment, applicator 22 is hollow and includes an opening 56 extending through the hollow structure in which brake mechanism 34 is located. Brake mechanism 34 comprises a lever having a first end portion 58 located in handle 32 and a second end portion 60 located in spindle 30.

A fulcrum 62 is interposed between first and second end portions 58 and 60 and is in fixed relation with handle 32 and spindle 30. For example, fulcrum 62 is fixed to opposing sides of opening 56 in the region of collar 36. Fulcrum 62 functions as a support about which first and second end portions 58 and 60 can pivot. With particular reference to FIG. 3, in an embodiment, force applied at first end portion 58 in handle 32, as represented by a downwardly directed arrow 64, causes first end portion 58 to compress inwardly into handle 32. This inward compression of first end portion 58 results in the rotation of the lever structure of brake mechanism 34 at fulcrum 62 so that second end portion 60 extends outwardly from spindle 30, as represented by an upwardly directed arrow 66.

Second end portion 60 extends outwardly from spindle 30 to engage spool 26. When second end portion 60 is engaged with spool 26, the rotation of spool 26 about spindle 30 is inhibited so as to brake or limit rotation of cartridge 24. Force 64 may be applied by a user inwardly pressing first end portion 58 of brake mechanism 34. Thus, the resultant braking of cartridge 24 is controlled by the amount of force 64 applied by the user.

FIG. 4 shows an illustrative view of the rolled material applicator system 20 in use. As shown, a patient 68 has a wound (not visible) on his/her arm. An emergency care provider 70 may have first applied a gauze pad to the wound. Care provider 70 places an end of rolled gauze material 28 from cartridge 24 over the gauze pad and begins to wrap rolled gauze material 28 around the arm of patient 68. By compressing first end portion 58 to engage second end portion 60 (FIG. 3) with spool 26 (FIG. 3) of cartridge 24, care provider 70 can apply a desired amount of tension on rolled gauze material 28 as it is wrapped around patient 68. Furthermore, once wrapping is started, care provider 70 need only use one hand to wrap rolled gauze material 28 around patient 68 at the desired tension. In this illustrative embodiment, a roll of tape 72 is slid onto handle 32 of applicator 22. When care provider 70 finishes wrapping rolled gauze material 28 around the arm of patient 68, provider 70 can then secure material 28 in place using tape 72.

In another embodiment, rolled gauze material 28 may be manufactured to include a tacky substance or adhesive material 73 on one or both ends of gauze material 28, with an absence of adhesive strip material 73 on the remaining portion of rolled gauze material 28. As such, when care provider 70 places an end of rolled gauze material 28 from cartridge 24 over the desired location, gauze material 28 will at least temporarily stick to the location via attachment of adhesive material 73 to patient 68. This attachment feature can prevent gauze material 28 from slipping until the second rotation of gauze material 28 overlaps the first rotation of gauze material 28. If the entire amount of rolled gauze material 28 is utilized, adhesive material 73 on the opposing end of rolled gauze material 28 can hold gauze material 28 in place, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for securing material 28 in place using tape 72. The presence of adhesive material 73 only at one or more ends facilitates attachment of rolled material 28 to patient 68. However, the absence of adhesive material 73 on the remaining portion of gauze material 28 also enables ready removal of rolled material 28 for further care at a later point in time.

By utilizing rolled material applicator system 20, care provider 70 is quickly and easily able to wrap rolled gauze material 28 around the wound to reduce and even stop blood flow. Such treatment is advantageous at disaster or accident scenes when performing triage and in other similar scenarios, such as in rural areas, at the scene of an automobile accident, and so forth where immediate transport to the hospital is unavailable. Once bleeding is reduced or stopped, emergency care provider 70 can concentrate on additional lifesaving measures such as lifting the wounded site above the level of the heart to further reduce bleeding, watching for signs of shock, maintaining the patient's airway, and so forth. Furthermore, in a multiple victim disaster or accident scene, once bleeding is reduced, emergency care provider 70 can attend to other victims.

In an embodiment, applicator 22 may be manufactured using a molding technique so that spindle 30, handle 32, brake mechanism 34, collar 36, and flange 38 are a single component. For example, applicator 22 may be manufactured from a plastic material using a blow molding manufacturing process suitable for forming hollow plastic parts. Exemplary blow molding techniques can include extrusion molding, injection molding, and stretch blow molding. Such manufacturing processes produce high yield, low cost parts. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the elements of applicator 22 need not be formed as a single component using a molding technique, but may instead be formed using other suitable techniques and materials.

Particularly advantageous at a disaster scene, rolled material applicator 22 and a plurality of cartridges 24 may be included in a first responder medical kit. Accordingly, when rolled gauze material 28 is completely used from its spool 26, spool 26 can be removed from spindle 30 and another one of cartridges 24 can be loaded onto spindle 30. Thus, cartridges 24 are successively loadable onto spindle 30 for repeated use of applicator 22.

Although, rolled material applicator system 20 is described in connection with its use by an emergency care provider at a disaster or accident scene, system 20 may first be sterilized and utilized in a clean environment such as in an operating room. Furthermore, system 20 can be used to apply casting material to immobilize a limb quickly before the casting material dries while holding the casting material with even tension. System 20 may also be utilized in a non-emergency scenario such as at home for wrapping a limb with, for example, a self-adhering elasticized wrap or bandage, typically referred to as an “Ace wrap,” or any other type of rolled material that is to be wrapped around a body or structure. Accordingly, in-home use scenario, the user of system 20 can be both the “patient” and the “care provider” applying the rolled material to himself or herself.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, FIG. 5 shows an exploded side view of a rolled material applicator system 74 in accordance with another embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a side view of a support member 76 of a rolled material applicator 78 implemented in system 74, and FIG. 7 shows an exploded side view of an outer housing 80 and a brake mechanism 82 implemented in applicator 78. Rolled material applicator system 74 generally includes rolled material applicator 78, cartridge 24 of rolled material 28, and tape 72.

In this embodiment, applicator 78 is formed from multiple components including support member 76, outer housing 80, and brake mechanism 82. Support member 76 includes a spindle 84 and a shaft 86 coupled to and extending from spindle 84. A length 87 of spindle 84 is at least equivalent to width 54 (FIG. 1) of cartridge 24, and consequently, of rolled material 28. Thus, spindle 84 accommodates the entire width 54 of rolled material 28 to provide structural integrity for cartridge 24, especially when system 74 is in use.

Outer housing 80 is aligned with and extends around shaft 86. Together, outer housing 80 and shaft 86 form a handle 88 of applicator 78. In an embodiment, outer housing 80 may include half-housings 90, 92 that snap together or otherwise couple to form outer housing 80 extending around shaft 86. Various suitable structures, fasteners, bushings, and the like may be used to enable the assembly of outer housing 80 with shaft 86 and its retention on shaft 86.

Shaft 86 is capable of rotation within outer housing 80, and spindle 84 rotates in concert with shaft 86 due to their coupling. Spindle 84 includes outwardly extending ribs 94. An effective outer diameter 96 of spindle 84 defined by ribs 94 is substantially equivalent to inner diameter 46 (FIG. 3) so that spool 26 is largely prevented from rotating relative to spindle 84. Accordingly, spool 26 of rolled material 28 rotates along with the rotation of shaft 86.

As shown, brake mechanism 82 is coupled to outer housing 80. Brake mechanism 82 includes, for example, a movable portion 98 having rails 100 that slidably engage with opposing side walls 102 of an opening 104 that extends through outer housing 80. Brake mechanism 82 further includes an externally located actuator 106 and an extension 108 coupled with movable portion 98 and extending inwardly into outer housing 80 toward said shaft 86. Shaft 86 includes a first end 110 exhibiting a first diameter 112 and a second end 114 coupled to spindle 84 exhibiting a second diameter 116 that is greater than first diameter 112. A tapered central portion 118 extends between ends 110 and 114.

In operation, a user, such as emergency care provider 70 (FIG. 4), grips outer housing 80 so that outer housing 80 is held immobile in the user's hand but support member 76 can rotate. Brake mechanism 82 is actuated as desired by sliding movable portion 98 in opening 104 using a thumb or finger in contact with actuator 106. As movable portion 98 slides toward spindle 84, extension 108 engages with shaft 86 at, for example, central portion 118 so that the rotation of shaft 86 (and commensurately spindle 84 with spool 26 of rolled material 28 fixed thereto) is controlled or reduced relative to outer housing 80.

Accordingly, care provider 70 places an end of rolled gauze material 28 from cartridge 24 over a particular site on patient 68 (FIG. 4) and begins to wrap rolled gauze material 28 around the site by allowing shaft 86 of support member 76 to rotate inside of outer housing 80. Spool 26 concurrently rotates so that rolled material 28 is unwound from spool 26 and applied to the wound site. Care provider 70 can apply a desired amount of tension on rolled gauze material 28 as it is wrapped around patient 68 (FIG. 4) by actuating brake mechanism 82, as described above. Again, once wrapping is started, care provider 70 need only use one hand to wrap rolled gauze material 28 around patient 68 at the desired tension. It should be noted that handle 88 of rolled material applicator 78 may optionally include outwardly extending ribs 119 to which roll of tape 72 may be mounted. Thus, when care provider 70 finishes wrapping rolled gauze material 28 around a desired location, provider 70 can then secure material 28 in place using tape 72.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a rolled material applicator 120 in accordance with another embodiment, and FIG. 9 shows an enlarged sectional perspective view of an end of rolled material applicator 120. Rolled material applicator 120 is similar to rolled material applicator 78 (FIG. 5). That is, applicator 120 includes a support member 124, an outer housing 126, and a brake mechanism 128.

Like support member 76 (FIG. 6), support member 124 includes a spindle 130 and a shaft 132 coupled to and extending from spindle 130. A length 133 of spindle 130 is at least equivalent to width 54 (FIG. 1) of cartridge 24 (FIG. 1), and consequently, of rolled material 28. Thus, spindle 130 accommodates the entire width 54 of rolled material 28 to provide structural integrity for cartridge 24, especially when rolled material applicator 120 is in use. Outer housing 126 is aligned with and extends around shaft 132. Together, outer housing 126 and shaft 132 form a handle 134 of applicator 120.

In this embodiment, an end 136 of shaft 132 includes clips 138 and an end 140 of outer housing 126 includes a lip portion 142. Outer housing 126 is slid onto end 136 of shaft 132. Clips 138 loosely engage with lip portion 142 of outer housing 126 in order to retain outer housing 126 on shaft 132 so that shaft 132 is rotatable relative to outer housing 126.

Note that spindle 130 does not include outwardly extending ribs 94 (FIG. 5). Rather, spindle 130 exhibits an outer diameter 144 that is substantially equivalent to inner diameter 46 (FIG. 3) of spool 26 so that spool 26 of rolled material 28 is largely unable to rotate relative to spindle 130 and shaft 132. Operation of rolled material applicator 120 is thus substantially the same as the operation of rolled material applicator 78 (FIG. 5) in order to apply rolled material 28 from spool 26 to a body.

FIG. 10 shows a side view of a rolled material applicator 146 in accordance with another embodiment. Rolled material applicator 146 is similar to rolled material applicators 78 (FIG. 5) and 120 (FIG. 8). That is, applicator 146 includes a support member 148, an outer housing 150, and a brake mechanism 152. Rolled material applicator 146 functions similarly to applicators 78 and 120. Accordingly, operation thereof will not be repeated herein for brevity.

Support member 148 includes a spindle 154 and a shaft 156 coupled to and extending from spindle 154. Outer housing 150 extends around shaft 156. However, spindle 154 does not accommodate spool 26 (FIG. 1) of rolled material 28 (FIG. 1). Rather, spindle 154 includes a longitudinally aligned slot 158. Slot 158 exhibits a slot length 160 that is at least equivalent to width 54 (FIG. 1) of rolled material 28 (FIG. 1). During manufacture, rolled material 28 is engaged in slot 158 and wound about spindle 154.

Applicator 146 may be implemented in a single use application in which applicator 146, with rolled material 28 wound thereon, is provided as a sterile or non-sterile system. Once rolled material 28 is applied to a body and spindle 154 is empty, applicator 146 may be discarded. Alternatively, applicator 146 may be implemented in a multiple use application in which the user may wind rolled material 28 onto spindle 154 once it is empty. For example, a user may find it easier to apply and re-apply a reusable self-adhering elasticized wrap or bandage, such as an “Ace wrap,” with even and appropriate tension using rolled material applicator 146.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, FIG. 11 shows an exploded side view of a rolled material applicator 162 in accordance with yet another embodiment, and FIG. 12 shows a side view of rolled material applicator 162 in an assembled form. In some instances, it may be desirable to have an entirely disposable, biodegradable, inexpensive, single use system. In this embodiment, rolled material applicator 162 may be manufactured from cardboard or some other inexpensive and readily degradable product.

Rolled material applicator 162 includes a support member 164 and an outer housing 166. Support member 164 includes a spindle 168 and a shaft 170 coupled to an extending from spindle 168. Outer housing 166 may be slid onto either end of support member 164 and positioned to extend around shaft 170. An O-ring 172 and an end cap 174 may be used on opposing ends of shaft 170 to retain outer housing 166 on shaft 170. Although, O-ring 172 and end cap 174 are illustrated herein, any suitable means for retaining outer housing 166 on shaft 170 may alternatively be utilized.

Spindle 168 includes a longitudinally aligned slot 176. Slot 176 exhibits a slot length 178 that is at least equivalent to width 54 (FIG. 1) of rolled material 28 (FIG. 1). During manufacture, rolled material 28 is engaged in slot 176 and wound about spindle 168.

Outer housing 166 fits loosely around shaft 170, so that shaft 170 along with spindle 168 and rolled material 28 wound around spindle 168 are allowed to rotate relative to outer housing 166 in order to apply rolled material 28 to a body, as discussed above. However, in order to apply tensioning to rolled material 28, outer housing 166 is a compressible friction sleeve used to form the brake mechanism for rolled material applicator 162. Outer housing 166 may simply be formed from a material that is more compressible than the material of shaft 170. Alternatively, outer housing 166 may have a longitudinally aligned slot 180 extending through is that increases the compressibility of outer housing 166. Thus, to engage the brake mechanism of rolled material applicator 162, a user need only to compress outer housing 166 against shaft 170 to limit movement of shaft 170 and spindle 168 in order to apply tension to rolled material 28.

In summary, embodiments of the invention entail rolled material applicator systems and applicators that are easy to use, inexpensive, apply elongated rolled material rapidly, and provide means for varying tension in the rolled material as it is applied. Furthermore, each of the applicators includes a handle that fits in the user's hand, and a braking mechanism integral to the handle that is manually actuated by the same hand that is gripping the applicator so as to apply tension to the rolled material as it is being wound around a body or structure. The applicator with integral braking mechanism can take on a number of forms. For example, the spindle is an extension of the handle that the user grips and a spool having rolled material pre-wound on it rotates around the spindle. The braking mechanism increases pressure on the rotating spool in order to increase tension on the rolled material as the material is being paid out. In other embodiments, the spindle rotates within the handle, and the braking mechanism applies pressure against the rotating spindle in order to increase tension in the elongated rolled material as it is being paid out. In addition, a spindle element that is at least as long as the width of the rolled material suitably supports the rolled material as it is being applied under tension to the body or structure. The applicator may be fabricated cost effectively as a single molded component or out of disposable materials, such as cardboard. Moreover, the applicator may be utilized with pre-wound cartridges of rolled material which may be successively loaded on to the applicator's spindle for repeated usage of the applicator.

Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims. For example, the invention is not limited to medical use but may alternatively be adapted to apply rolled film, tape, paper, stretch plastic sheeting, webbing, fiberglass, cotton, string, rope, and the like to various surfaces. 

1. An applicator for applying a rolled material to a body, said rolled material exhibiting a width, and said applicator comprising: a spindle configured to hold said rolled material, said spindle having a length that is at least equivalent to said width of said rolled material; a handle coupled to and longitudinally aligned with said spindle; and a brake mechanism integral with said handle for controlling a tension of said rolled material as it is applied to said body.
 2. An applicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said rolled material is rolled onto a hollow spool, said hollow spool having an inner diameter, and a diameter of said spindle is less than said inner diameter of said spool to enable said spool to rotate about said spindle when said brake mechanism is disengaged.
 3. An applicator as claimed in claim 2 wherein said brake mechanism comprises a lever, said lever including: a first end portion located in said handle; a second end portion located in said spindle; and a fulcrum interposed between said first and second end portions and in fixed relation with said handle and said spindle, wherein when said first end portion is compressed inwardly into said handle, said lever rotates about said fulcrum such that said second end portion extends outwardly to engage said spool.
 4. An applicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said spindle, said handle, and said brake mechanism are concurrently formed as a single molded component.
 5. An applicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said rolled material is rolled onto a hollow spool, said hollow spool having an inner diameter, and said applicator further comprises a collar interposed between said spindle and said handle, said collar exhibiting a collar diameter that is greater than said inner diameter of said hollow spool.
 6. An applicator as claimed in claim 1 further wherein said rolled material is rolled onto a hollow spool, said hollow spool having an inner diameter, and said applicator further comprises a projection element positioned on an end of said spindle distal from said handle, said projection element exhibiting a diameter that is greater than said inner diameter of said hollow spool.
 7. An applicator as claimed in claim 6 further comprising longitudinally arranged slots extending through said projection element and partially through a portion of spindle, said slots enabling inward compression of said spindle to accommodate placement of said spool onto said spindle.
 8. An applicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said handle comprises: a shaft coupled to and extending from said spindle; and an outer housing aligned with and extending around said shaft, said shaft being rotatable within said outer housing to cause rotation of said spindle.
 9. An applicator as claimed in claim 8 wherein said brake mechanism is coupled to said outer housing and is actuated to engage with said shaft to limit rotation of said spindle.
 10. An applicator as claimed in claim 8 wherein said shaft comprises: a first end exhibiting a first diameter; a second end coupled to said spindle, said second end exhibiting a second diameter that is greater than said first diameter; and a tapered central portion extending between said first and second ends.
 11. An applicator as claimed in claim 10 wherein said brake mechanism comprises: a movable portion slidably engaged with said outer housing; and an extension coupled with said movable portion and extending inwardly into said outer housing for selectively engaging with said central portion of said shaft as said movable portion is slid toward said spindle to limit rotation of said shaft and said spindle relative to said outer housing.
 12. An applicator as claimed in claim 8 wherein said outer housing comprises a compressible friction sleeve surrounding said shaft to produce said brake mechanism, and compression of said outer housing engages said compressible friction sleeve with said shaft to limit rotation of said spindle.
 13. An applicator as claimed in claim 12 wherein said compressible friction sleeve comprises a longitudinally arranged slot extending through said friction sleeve along an entire length of said friction sleeve.
 14. An applicator as claimed in claim 8 wherein said rolled material is rolled onto a hollow spool having an inner diameter, and a outer diameter of said spindle is approximately equivalent to said inner diameter of said spool to prevent rotation of said spool with said rolled material relative to said spindle.
 15. An applicator as claimed in claim 8 wherein said rolled material is rolled onto a hollow spool having an inner diameter, and said spindle includes outwardly extending ribs that substantially prevent rotation of said spool with said rolled material relative to said spindle.
 16. An applicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said spindle further comprises a longitudinally aligned slot, said slot having a slot length that is at least equivalent to said width of said rolled material.
 17. A system comprising: a rolled material exhibiting a width; and an applicator for applying said rolled material to a body, said applicator including: a spindle for holding said rolled material, said spindle having a length that is at least equivalent to said width of said rolled material; a handle coupled to and longitudinally aligned with said spindle; and a brake mechanism integral with said handle for controlling a tension of said rolled material as it is applied to a body.
 18. A system as claimed in claim 17 wherein said rolled material comprises an adhesive material coupled to at least one of opposing ends of said rolled material for facilitating attachment of said rolled material to said body, said adhesive material being absent from a remaining portion of said rolled material.
 19. A system as claimed in claim 17 further comprising a hollow spool loadable onto said spindle, said rolled material being rolled onto said hollow spool.
 20. A system as claimed in claim 19 further comprising a plurality of cartridges, each of said cartridges including said hollow spool and said rolled material rolled onto said hollow spool, wherein said cartridges are successively loadable onto said spindle for repeated use of said applicator.
 21. A system as claimed in claim 19 wherein: said hollow spool exhibits an inner diameter; said spindle exhibits a diameter that is less than said inner diameter of said spool to enable said spool to rotate about said spindle; and said brake mechanism comprises a lever, said lever including a first end portion located in said handle, a second end portion located in said spindle, and a fulcrum interposed between said first and second end portions and in fixed relation with said handle and said spindle such that when said first end portion is compressed inwardly into said handle, said lever rotates about said fulcrum to cause said second end portion to extend outwardly to limit engage said spool.
 22. A system as claimed in claim 17 wherein said handle comprises: a shaft coupled to and extending from said spindle; and an outer housing aligned with and extending around said shaft, said shaft being rotatable within said outer housing to cause rotation of said spindle, and said brake mechanism is actuated to engage with said shaft to limit rotation of said spindle.
 23. A system as claimed in claim 22 wherein: said shaft comprises a first end exhibiting a first diameter, a second end coupled to said spindle, said second end exhibiting a second diameter that is greater than said first diameter, and a tapered central portion extending between said first and second ends; and said brake mechanism comprises a movable portion slidably engaged with said outer housing, and an extension coupled with said movable portion and extending inwardly into said outer housing for selectively engaging with said central portion of said shaft as said movable portion is slid toward said spindle to limit rotation of said shaft and said spindle relative to said outer housing.
 24. A system as claimed in claim 22 wherein: said system further comprises a hollow spool, said rolled material being rolled onto said hollow spool, and said hollow spool exhibiting an inner diameter; and said spindle exhibits an outer diameter that is approximately equivalent to said inner diameter of said spool to prevent rotation of said spool relative to said spindle when said spool is loaded onto said spindle.
 25. A system as claimed in claim 22 wherein said outer housing comprises a compressible friction sleeve surrounding said shaft to produce said brake mechanism, and compression of said outer housing engages said compressible friction sleeve with said shaft to limit rotation of said spindle.
 26. An applicator for applying a rolled material to a body, said rolled material being rolled onto a hollow spool, said rolled material exhibiting a width, and said applicator comprising: a spindle configured to hold said spool of said rolled material, said spindle having a length that is at least equivalent to said width of said rolled material, and said spindle exhibiting a diameter that is less than an inner diameter of said hollow spool; a handle coupled to and longitudinally aligned with said spindle; and a brake mechanism integral with said handle for controlling a tension of said rolled material as it is applied to said body, said spool being rotatable about said spindle when said brake is disengaged and rotation of said spool being limited when said brake mechanism is engaged, wherein said spindle, said handle, and said brake mechanism are concurrently formed as a single molded component.
 27. An applicator as claimed in claim 26 wherein said brake mechanism comprises a lever, said lever including: a first end portion located in said handle; a second end portion located in said spindle; and a fulcrum interposed between said first and second end portions and in fixed relation with said handle and said spindle, wherein when said first end portion is compressed inwardly into said handle, said lever rotates about said fulcrum such that said second end portion extends outwardly to engage said spool.
 28. An applicator as claimed in claim 26 further comprising a collar interposed between said spindle and said handle, said collar exhibiting a collar diameter that is greater than said inner diameter of said hollow spool.
 29. An applicator as claimed in claim 26 further comprising: a projection element positioned on an end of said spindle distal from said handle, said projection exhibiting a diameter that is greater than said inner diameter of said hollow spool; and longitudinally arranged slots extending through said projection element and partially through a portion of spindle, said slots enabling inward compression of said spindle to accommodate placement of said spool onto said spindle. 